Montrose, Colorado Project

Fly fishing today was the most fun
I’ve ever had!

Mentee

The Mayfly Project

Project Location

Montrose, Colorado

 

Year Project Founded

2022

Project Lead Mentor

Dana Egbert

 

Mentors on this team

9

Children mentored to date

30

 

Children mentored in 2025

8

Local foster care partners

Currently searching for local foster care connections and programs.

Local companies that support this project

Montrose Anglers

Apply to Mentor

For more questions about this project,
contact Dana Egbert at:
degbert4@gmail.com

Support the Montrose, Colorado Project

Donate Today

I love what The Mayfly Project is doing–to have mentors come along side children in our community, and to teach them the love of fly fishing and for the outdoors is so important. We are so fortunate to live in this beautiful place and have this incredible opportunity.

Dana Egbert, Lead Mentor

Montrose, Colorado Project

Project Mentors

Dana Egbert, Lead Mentor

A Texan who relocated to Montrose, Co in 2013. Our family loved coming to this beautiful area to fish and hike every opportunity we got. Finally made the move and what a blessing it has been for our family! So much so, we own a fly shop- Montrose Anglers! We love kids, have 4 of our own, and soon to be 4 grandchildren! I’ve taught through the years in many different settings.
Fly fishing has been such a gift to our kids and the peace that comes from being on the river in God’s creation always fills our soul! Looking forward to sharing that gift with many kids in our community of Montrose, Colorado.

Steve Loshbaugh, Mentor

Married, parent of one grown son.
Lifelong love of the outdoors especially fly fishing.
In the 1980’s while our son was young, we opened our home to several foster children in Rio Blanco County.
Member of the Smoking River Guides, a group of guides in the White River valley.
Began guiding fly fishermen part time in 1999. Upon retirement in 2015 I am now guiding full time.
Orvis endorsed fly fishing guide.
I believe that my love of the outdoors, and fly fishing in particular, has provided me with a great background when dealing with whatever life has thrown my way. I have always enjoyed introducing others to fly fishing and look forward to helping foster children acquire a passion for the outdoors also.

Tyler Johnston, Mentor
I’m originally from Arkansas where my fly-fishing journey began at a young age. I’ve always enjoyed all kinds of fishing but fly fishing has always held a special place in my heart. From Arkansas I moved to Minnesota where I fished the drift less area and the abundance of lakes Minnesota had to offer. In 2017 I moved to Montrose, Colorado and haven’t looked back. I’m excited to share what our local water has to offer!
Rebecca Johnston, Mentor
I grew up in south central Minnesota but moved to Montrose, Colorado in 2017. I’ve always had a love for fishing since my granddad taught me as a little girl on one of the various 10,000+ lakes with a spin rod catching pan fish and bass. My first experience fly fishing was on a few small streams back home, but once I moved to CO is when I really fell in love with the sport. I currently work as a dialysis nurse. I’m excited to be a part of the Montrose Mayfly Project and to be able to share the love I found for fly fishing with future generations.
Noah Harris, Mentor
I was born in raised in South Georgia where I practically grew up on the water chasing bluegill and bass. Many of my best memories as a child are from weekend and summer fishing trips. When I moved to Montrose in 2021, I decided it was time to trade in my baitcaster for a fly rod! Since then I have especially enjoyed hiking in to secluded spots to chase trout. Anytime I’m outdoors, even if the goal isn’t fishing, chances are a fly rod is not very far away. I have always enjoyed making memories with others, and I can’t wait to share my passion for the outdoors with kids in our local community.
Paige Jones, Mentor
Growing up on the Western Slope of Colorado, Paige learned early how to fly fish along side the importance of spending time outdoors from her dad. Paige is the Marketing Coordinator at Mayfly Outdoors the home of Ross Reels, Abel, and Airflo. When she isn’t on the water, she’s hanging out with her Golden Retriever Trout or painting. Paige is extremely excited to have the honor of sharing her passion of fishing with the kids in the Montrose Mayfly Project!
Wyatt Stickler, Mentor
Wyatt is a dedicated outdoorsman, military veteran, and passionate advocate for helping others. With a lifelong love of the natural world and a deep commitment to serving his country, he has spent years exploring the great outdoors, fishing in remote streams, and using his skills to help others in need. Through his work as a public servant and conservation advocate, he continues to inspire and educate others about the incredible beauty and power of nature, and they remain committed to preserving our natural resources for future generations.
Jessi Arundel, Mentor
Jessi was born and raised in Michigan and grew up spinner rod fishing at her family cabin in Canada. Jessi has always had a passion for adventure and a connection with the wilderness. She moved from Michigan in 2021 to Utah where she worked in Wilderness Therapy and fell in love with teaching kids outdoor skills and self efficacy. Her fiancé introduced her to fly fishing in 2022 and she now teaches fly fishing 101 and 201 classes in the Montrose area. She is excited to be part of The Mayfly Project team and to connect kids with the outdoors and fly fishing.